Flying Report Sun 2 Mar 25
It’s the start of meteorological spring and the weather was with us - fantastic! A day of two halves that started on the hard and finished launching from the grass, all part of progress with the airfield resurfacing project. Given the recent number of weather related non-flying days and also the forecast it was not surprising that we saw a large turnout of members.
Starting on r’way 18 hard we got away our two MEF gliding bursary students in the K21s. Launching in R22 with Colin, Reece is at the early stages of training and making great progress.
Harry M’s solo progress continues. After a check ride with Alan J in R35, Harry took a solo trip and it will not be long until we see him in the Astir..
The BGA is actively engaged in increasing participation in gliding and the number of women in gliding. So today we were delighted that the BGA Women and Inclusivity in Gliding (WinG) Advocate, Yvonne Elliott paid us a visit. Good to see you Yvonne and we hope to see you gain on a later date.
Attention then turned to operations off r’way 18 grass, a change necessitated after we were advised that the hard runway that we were using was contractually unavailable as it was now in the next phase of the airfield runway resurfacing project.
However, it became clear that the ground was still too soft from which to aero-tow launch a heavy 2-seater……
…….so the plan turned to how best to maximise the use of the 2 TMGs in preparation for the new soaring season. Some of the old lads found this hasty change of pace all too difficult to deal with and decided to have, in true Saga Holidays style, a little rest outside the bus whilst polishing off the rest of Mrs #vulcanbombers delicious choccy cake.
So, with a brace of TMGs on the pan……
……a jury was formed to mark each take-off and landing.
To everyone’s credit a lot was achieved today.
We have now been confirmed as a BGA endorsed Women and Inclusivity in Gliding (WinG) club and thanks to Laura for all her hard work behind the scenes.
Flying with Ian, Amelia completed her annual instructor checks
So that the chickens are better prepared for his arrival next time, Richard completed his field landing checks
Mike O and Geoff C also completed their field landing checks.
Father and son team of Colin and Jack undertook a Navex exercise in preparation for Jacks X-country endorsement checks during the course of which they encountered Mike Fox flying out of Seighford in the The Bag of Nails (masquerading as a T16 Adventure) that just about stayed airborne!
Apparently the Navex went brilliantly despite Jack not knowing whether he was near Stoke or Stafford. Afterwards Jack said “Yeah, wotevs, they both begin with “St””
Subject to BGA confirmation Simon Adlard was happy to award Nigel his Full Cat and BGA Motor Glider Instructor (MGIR) 1 ratings. Nigella did look rather slick in a pair of old lads braces.
Thanks to Richard for organising us all on his first outing as Duty Pilot, and good to see Paul #mashcutter who had travelled down from north of the Cheshire Gap to be with us for the day.
Finally, a warm welcome to Al Gillson. Al lives in Shawbury and has been flying out of Sleap but has decided, at long last to join the club. Al is a lapsed Full Cat and tug pilot and we will soon have him up to speed. Welcome Al.
Dates for your Diary:
Mar 24 – Mar 30 Denbigh Exped. Please sign on in the members area if you are attending.
Sun 27 Apr. The club will focus on welcoming women, with the aim of helping them to discover gliding and membership of the club. Please sign on in the members area if you are able to support Women's Go Gliding Day.
August. We are exploring a week of winch launching at Camp Hill.